I wouldn’t start from here
You’ll know that trying to work out what to do to make you feel better, when you’re actually feeling rubbish, is nigh on impossible.
Instead, I would encourage you to prepare when you’re feeling good.
What do you love to do?
Preparing a list, either mentally or written is fine, of things you can gently encourage yourself to do.
So if you can find a quiet moment, preferably when you are feeling well, ask yourself this question:
What do I really love to do?
Often when I ask clients this question, they are taken aback to realise they don’t know the answer. And often the answer is the most simple things such as walking the dog or having a cuppa in the garden.
I recommend you prepare a list of a few things that don’t take you much effort, and that you love for its own sake e.g. having a bath, baking, drinking a cup of tea in the garden, tidying your sock drawer, painting, going for a walk, watching Match of the Day on iPlayer.
Gentle encouragement
There are no “right” or “wrong” answers, and you don’t even have to know why, just things that you will be able to gently encourage yourself to do if you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps.
My list
I thought I’d share with you my list, with a little bit of what it gives me. In no particular order:
- Wash my hair (& dry it)
- I love having a shower and I feel so much better to be clean and wearing clean clothes
- Make a cup of tea and (…choose one of the following!):
Biscuits are allowed- Go on the balcony and watch the world go by
- For a dose of nature and connection to people walking by
- Sit on my chair with the balcony doors open and listen to the trees and birds
- For a dose of nature and mindfulness moment
- Put on Radio 2
- To feel connected with the outside world and listen to music, or their guest interviews
- Read my book
- Escape to another world, just for a while
- Go on the balcony and watch the world go by
- Wash the pots
- Text one (or all!) of my best friends
- Is usually just to say hello; their reply hello back always makes me feel a bit better
- Ring my mum and dad to catch up on their news
- Watch the news
- Connecting with the world; I know for some people they prefer to switch off the news, but for me, I feel part of something bigger
- Go for a walk down the Green Line
- For a dose of nature and saying hello to people I encounter
- Go to café Nero in West Bridgford, and a pain au chocolat, of course
- Connect to the person serving and feel a connection with my home town
- Sometimes I’ll take it to Bridgford Park and sit under a tree for a dose of nature
If you would like some help to work out what might be your own personal list, or to explore more deeply what’s going on for you, please do get in touch.
You can book a free telephone consultation online. Our booking page also allows you to book in for appointments.
Alternatively email booking@counsellingwestbridgford.co.uk or call 07968767232 to book an appointment.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
